Accessory mounting system for a vehicle and method for using the same

ABSTRACT

An accessory mounting fixture for a vehicle is provided. The accessory mounting fixture includes a fixture body connectable to a vehicle surface and having a substantially U-shape defining a frontal opening and adapted to receive an accessory portion. The accessory mounting fixture also includes a locking assembly adapted to selectively secure the accessory portion within the frontal opening. The locking assembly has a first lock member pivotally connected to the fixture body on a first side of the frontal opening and a second lock member pivotally connected to the fixture body on the second side of the frontal opening. The first and second locking members are operable between a closed position for confining the accessory portion within the frontal opening, and an open configuration. Positioning the first and second lock members in the closed position secures the accessory portion within the frontal opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/183,540, filed Mar. 24, 2021, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/980,704, filed Feb. 24, 2020, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/106,498, filed Oct. 28, 2020, and USProvisional Application No. 63/106,554, filed Oct. 28, 2020, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to apparatuses, systems, andmethods for mounting an accessory to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles are assembled and sold with a standard equipment package.However, an owner of the vehicle may wish to add one or more accessoriesto the vehicle, such as additional storage units, fuel tanks, racks,seats, etc., after the vehicle has been manufactured. Such an accessorymay be referred to as an aftermarket accessory. It is desirable tosecurely attach said accessory to a vehicle surface in a safe andefficient manner.

Despite ongoing developments in the field of accessory mounting systems,there is still room for further improvements. More particularly,improvements related to some characteristics of accessory mountingsystems, such as “universality” (i.e., Being adaptable to fit withmultiple accessories from different manufacturers), “reliability” (i.e.,Being configured to prevent unintended release of the accessory), and“anti-theft security” (i.e., Being configured to prevent unauthorizedrelease of the accessory), are desirable. In addition, improving suchcharacteristics in a cost-effective manner has proven to be challenging,and thus continued improvements in this area remain desirable.

SUMMARY

The present technology generally relates to an accessory mounting systemconfigured to be installed on a vehicle surface, the accessory mountingsystem includes a first accessory mounting fixture having a lockingassembly, and a second accessory mounting fixture.

Therefore, the present technology relates to a first accessory mountingfixture, a second accessory mounting fixture, an accessory mountingsystem comprising said first and second accessory mounting fixtures, anda method of using the same for mounting an accessory on a vehicle.

The first fixture has a body configured to connect to the vehiclesurface, a locking assembly being connected thereto and having twohingedly connected parts which, once closed around a portion of theaccessory, are kept in closed state thanks to a complementary lockingfeature neutralizing and/or counteracting an opening force applied toit, therefore preventing inadvertent release of the accessory. Anadditional, or alternative, resilient member removably connected to bothhingedly connected parts biases the locking assembly by maintaining aclosing force to it. The hingedly connected parts can be further adaptedto receive a locking device to prevent theft of the accessory.

The second fixture has a body being configured to connect to the vehiclesurface and having an opening configured to receive a portion of theaccessory and is disposed spaced from the first fixture.

The accessory has a first and a second protruding portions configured tobe received by the first and second fixtures. The accessory is engagedin both first and second fixtures by performing a translation, prior toclosing the locking assembly of the first fixture to secure it in place.

According to an aspect, there is provided an accessory mounting fixturefor a vehicle. The accessory mounting fixture includes a fixture bodyconnectable to a vehicle surface and having a substantially U shapedefining a frontal opening adapted for receiving an accessory portion.The mounting fixture also includes a locking assembly operativelyconnected to the fixture body and adapted to selectively secure theaccessory portion within the frontal opening. The locking assemblyincludes a first lock member which has a proximal end pivotallyconnected to the fixture body on a first side of the frontal opening anda distal end. The first closure member is operable between a closedposition where the first lock member extends across the frontal openingand the distal end thereof engages the fixture body on a second side ofthe frontal opening for confining the accessory portion within thefrontal opening, and an open configuration. The locking assembly alsohas a second lock member having a proximal end pivotally connected tothe fixture body on the second side of the frontal opening and a distalend. The second closure member is operable between a closed positionwhere the second lock member at least partially covers the first lockmember, and an open configuration. When the first and second lockmembers are in the closed position the accessory portion is at leastpartially secured within the frontal opening.

According to a possible embodiment, the locking assembly furthercomprises a resilient member coupled to the second lock member andadapted to engage the first lock member when positioning the second lockmember in the closed position, wherein engagement of the first lockmember by the resilient member biases at least one of the first andsecond lock members in their respective closed positions.

according to a possible embodiment, the first lock member comprises atab protruding outwardly therefrom, and the resilient member comprises atab-receiving opening defined through a thickness thereof, thetab-receiving opening being shaped and sized to receive the tab therein,and wherein positioning the tab through the tab-receiving opening biasesthe second lock member in the closed position.

according to a possible embodiment, the resilient member is stretchableand adapted to be stretched for positioning the tab-receiving openingover the tab in order to have the tab extend through the tab-receivingopening.

according to a possible embodiment, the tab is hook-shaped to preventdisengagement of the resilient member therefrom when the tab extendsthrough the tab receiving opening.

according to a possible embodiment, positioning the second lock memberin the closed position prevents moving the first lock member in the openposition.

according to a possible embodiment, one of the first and second lockmembers comprises a locking recess, and wherein the other one of thefirst and second lock members comprises a locking protrusion, thelocking protrusion being complementarily shaped relative to the lockingrecess and configured to engage the locking recess when positioning thefirst and second lock members in the closed position.

According to a possible embodiment, the locking protrusion comprises aprotrusion surface, and the recess comprises a recess surface, andwherein when the first and second lock members are in the closedposition, the recess surface is adapted to abut against the protrusionsurface when opening the first lock member, thereby blocking movement ofthe first lock member.

According to a possible embodiment, positioning the first lock member inthe closed position defines a generally hexagonal-shaped loop confiningthe accessory portion.

According to a possible embodiment, the fixture body further comprises aslot defined in a bottom surface thereof and communicating with thefrontal opening, the slot being adapted to receive a first end of theaccessory portion therein for positioning the first end between thefixture body and the vehicle surface.

According to a possible embodiment, the first lock member comprises asecondary slot defined in a bottom portion thereof and adapted toreceive a second end if the accessory portion therein for positioningthe second end between the first lock member and the vehicle surface.

According to a possible embodiment, the first lock member comprises afirst locking aperture, and the second lock member comprises a secondlocking aperture, and wherein positioning the first and second lockmembers in the closed position aligns the first and second lockingapertures to enable a locking device to extend through the apertures andselectively secure the first and second lock to one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the locking device is a padlock.

According to a possible embodiment, the vehicle is a snowmobile.

According to another aspect, there is provided an accessory mountingsystem for mounting an accessory on a vehicle. The accessory mountingsystem includes a first fixture comprising the accessory mountingfixture as defined above for connecting a first portion of the accessoryto the vehicle. The accessory mounting system further includes a secondfixture having a body connectable to a vehicle surface opposite thefirst fixture, the second fixture being adapted to receive a secondportion of the accessory for connecting the second portion to thevehicle.

According to a possible embodiment, the second fixture has a passagedefined between the body and the vehicle surface configured to receivethe second portion of the accessory.

According to a possible embodiment, the first fixture and the secondfixture are aligned with one another across the vehicle surface.

According to a possible embodiment, the second fixture comprises theaccessory mounting fixture as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.

According to another aspect, a method for mounting an accessory on avehicle surface using the accessory mounting system defined above isprovided. The accessory has a body with a first end provided with afirst protruding portion and a second end provided with a secondprotruding portion, and the method includes the steps of engaging thefirst protruding portion with the first fixture; engaging the secondprotruding portion with the second fixture; and operating the lockingassembly for securing the first protruding portion to the first fixture.

According to a possible embodiment, the steps of engaging the firstprotruding portion with the first fixture and engaging the secondprotruding portion with the second fixture are performed simultaneously.

According to a possible embodiment, the step of operating the lockingassembly comprises the steps of positioning the first lock member in theclosed position; and positioning the second lock member in the closedposition.

According to another aspect, there is provided an accessory mountingfixture for mounting an accessory to a vehicle, the accessory mountingfixture includes a fixture body connectable to the vehicle and having asubstantially U-shape defining a frontal opening adapted for receivingan accessory portion; and a locking assembly operatively connected tothe fixture body and comprising a first lock member pivotally connectedto the fixture body on a first side of the frontal opening, and a secondlock member pivotally connected to the fixture body on a second side ofthe frontal opening, the first and second lock members being operable toselectively secure the accessory portion within the frontal opening,where the locking assembly is operable to secure the first and secondlock members in the closed position in order to secure the accessoryportion within the frontal opening.

According to another aspect, there is provided an accessory mountingsystem for mounting an accessory on a vehicle. The accessory mountingsystem includes a mounting assembly which includes an elongated railremovably connectable to the vehicle, the elongated rail being providedwith an elongated slot extending there along and opening on a topsurface of the elongated rail. The mounting assembly also includes aconnector having a head portion adapted to be slidably mounted withinthe slot of the elongated rail, and a shank portion extending from thehead and vertically above the top surface of the elongated rail, and amounting fixture connectable to the connector and adapted to selectivelyhave a portion of the accessory be connected thereto, the mountingfixture being connected to the connector in a manner such that movingthe connector along the slot correspondingly displaces the mountingfixture along the elongated rail to adjust the position of the accessoryon the vehicle.

According to a possible embodiment, the top surface of the elongatedrail at least partially overhangs the slot to limit vertical movement ofthe connector when within the slot.

According to a possible embodiment, the slot has an inverted T-shape.

According to a possible embodiment, the slot comprises parallellyextending sidewalls, and wherein the head portion of the connector isadapted to engage the sidewalls to prevent rotation of the connectorwithin the slot.

According to a possible embodiment, the elongated rail is connected tothe vehicle via fasteners extending through a bottom surface of theslot.

According to a possible embodiment, the shank portion comprises a maleconnector, and wherein the mounting fixture comprises a female connectorconfigured to be coupled to the male connector.

According to a possible embodiment, the shank portion comprises a femaleconnector, and wherein the mounting fixture comprises a male connectorconfigured to be coupled to the female connector.

According to a possible embodiment, the male connector comprises one ormore fasteners extending through the mounting fixture and adapted toengage the shank portion, and wherein the fasteners are selectivelyoperable to secure the position of the connector along the slot.

According to a possible embodiment, the elongated rail comprises aninterior portion having an interior edge shaped and adapted to conformto a portion of the vehicle to which the elongated rail is connected.

According to a possible embodiment, the interior edge is tapered suchthat the top surface extends further than a bottom surface along theinterior edge.

According to a possible embodiment, the interior portion comprises asecond slot extending there along and opening on a bottom surface of theelongated rail.

According to a possible embodiment, the bottom surface at leastpartially overhangs the second slot.

According to a possible embodiment, the second slot has a T-shape.

According to a possible embodiment, the elongated rail comprises anexterior portion comprising the slot, and wherein the slot and thesecond slot are laterally adjacent to one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the slot and second slot areparallel to one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the mounting fixture comprises alocking assembly operable to selectively secure the portion of theaccessory thereto, therefore securing the accessory to the vehicle.

According to a possible embodiment, the mounting assembly comprises aplurality of connectors slidably mounted within the slot and a pluralityof mounting fixtures connectable to respective connectors.

According to a possible embodiment, the mounting assembly is a firstmounting assembly, and the accessory mounting system comprises a secondmounting assembly which includes a second elongated rail removablyconnectable to the vehicle, a second connector slidably mounted alongthe elongated rail, and a second mounting fixture connectable to thesecond connector and adapted to selectively have a second portion of theaccessory be connected thereto, the second mounting fixture beingconnected to the second connector in a manner such that moving theconnector along the second elongated rail correspondingly displaces thesecond mounting fixture to adjust the position of the accessory on thevehicle.

According to a possible embodiment, the second elongated rail issubstantially identical to the elongated rail.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and second elongated railsare adapted to be installed opposite and parallel to one another on thevehicle.

According to another aspect, an accessory mounting system for mountingan accessory on a vehicle is provided. The accessory mounting systemincludes a stacking assembly which includes a support structure adaptedto be coupled to the vehicle, the support structure having a lengthextending along a longitudinal axis. The support structure includes afirst support segment having a first fixture end and a firstinterlocking section extending from the first fixture end; and a secondsupport segment having a second fixture end and a second interlockingsection extending from the second fixture end, the first and secondinterlocking sections being adapted to slidably engage one another toselectively define the length of the support structure and position thefirst fixture end opposite the second fixture end. The accessorymounting system further includes a support segment latch adapted toselectively secure the first support segment and the second supportsegment together and block movement of the first support segment and ofthe second support segment along the longitudinal axis, a first mountingfixture connectable to the first fixture end, a second mounting fixtureconnectable to the second fixture end, the accessory being selectivelyconnectable to the first and second mounting fixtures for connecting theaccessory to the support structure, wherein adjusting the length of thesupport structure correspondingly adjusts the distance between the firstand second mounting fixtures.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and second interlockingsections are adapted to block a rotational movement of the first andsecond support segments about the longitudinal axis when slidablyengaged with one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and second interlockingsections are adapted to block a rotational movement of the first andsecond support segments about a transversal axis extendingperpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis when slidably engagedwith one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and second interlockingsections are adapted to restrict movement of the first and secondsupport segments to an axial movement along the longitudinal axis whenslidably engaged with one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the accessory is a second accessory,and wherein the support structure is adapted to be mounted on a firstaccessory coupled to the vehicle to position the first and secondaccessories in a stacked configuration.

According to a possible embodiment, the first interlocking sectioncomprises a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member,the second interlocking section comprises a third interlocking memberand a fourth interlocking member, and wherein engaging the first andsecond interlocking sections together comprises positioning the firstinterlocking member below the fourth interlocking member and positioningthe second interlocking member over the third interlocking member.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and third interlockingmembers are adapted to be positioned in a first plane when the first andsecond interlocking sections are slidably engaged with one another, andwherein the second and fourth interlocking members are adapted to bepositioned in a second plane when the first and second interlockingsections are slidably engaged with one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and second planes areparallel to one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the support segment latch comprisesa latch body fastenable to a pair of interlocking members positioned inone of the first and second planes.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the second andfourth interlocking members comprises a key slot, and wherein thesupport segment latch comprises a key portion extending downwardly fromthe latch body, the key portion being shaped and adapted to engage thekey slot in a manner positioning the latch body perpendicularly acrossthe second and fourth interlocking members.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the first and thirdinterlocking members comprises a guide slot extending longitudinallyalong the corresponding interlocking member and being adapted to alignwith the key slot, and wherein the key portion is adapted to extendthrough the key slot and engage the guide slot for guiding the axialmovement of the first and second support segments along the longitudinalaxis.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and second interlockingmembers are spaced from one another and define a first slittherebetween, the third and fourth interlocking members are spaced fromone another and define a second slit therebetween, and wherein the firstand second slits are aligned when the first and second interlockingsections are slidably engaged with one another.

According to a possible embodiment, the first and second mountingfixtures are integrally formed as part of the first and second supportsegments, respectively.

According to a possible embodiment, the first support segment isstructurally identical to the second support segment.

According to a possible embodiment, the stacking assembly furthercomprises a support connector coupled between the support structure andthe vehicle, the support connector being adapted to position the supportstructure in a raised configuration for positioning one or moreaccessories beneath the support structure.

According to a possible embodiment, the support connector comprises aconnector plate connectable to the support structure, and one or moreconnector struts extending downwardly from the connector plate, andwherein the support structure is raised by a distance corresponding to alength of the connector struts.

According to a possible embodiment, the accessory mounting systemfurther includes a plurality of stacking assemblies connectable to oneanother in a stacked configuration, wherein the connector struts of onestacking assembly engages the support structure of another stackingassembly positioned below.

According to another aspect, a method of mounting at least a firstaccessory and a second accessory to a vehicle using the mounting systemdefined above is provided. The method includes the steps of coupling thefirst accessory to a vehicle surface; adjusting the length of thesupport structure based on a width of at least one of the first andsecond accessories; coupling the support structure to at least one ofthe first accessory and the vehicle surface to position the supportstructure at least partially above the first accessory; and connectingthe second accessory to the support structure via the first and secondmounting fixtures.

According to a possible embodiment, adjusting the length of the supportstructure comprises displacing at least one of the first and secondsupport segments along the longitudinal axis of the support structure.

According to a possible embodiment, the method further includes the stepof securing the support segment latch following the step of adjustingthe length of the support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle provided with an accessorymounting system adapted to mount an accessory to the vehicle, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an accessory, according to anembodiment, showing protruding portions adapted to engage the accessorymounting system.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top perspective view of a pair of mounting fixturesconnected to a vehicle surface in spaced apart relation, according topossible embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a first mounting fixture providedwith a locking assembly shown in a closed configuration, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the first mounting fixture shown inFIG. 4 , with the locking assembly removed therefrom, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top elevation view of the first mounting fixture, accordingto an embodiment, showing a closed loop formed from the closed lockingassembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the first mounting fixtureshown in FIG. 4 , showing a first lock member and a second lock memberconnectable to the first fixture body, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second mounting fixture according toan embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the second mounting fixture shown in FIG. 8 ,showing a passage extending below a top surface thereof, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the second mounting fixture shown in FIGS. 8and 9 , showing the passage opening on a front side and a rear side ofthe second mounting fixture, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are front perspective views of the first mounting fixtureshown in FIG. 4 , showing the locking assembly in an open configuration(FIG. 11 ), showing the first lock member in the closed position and thesecond lock member in the open position (FIG. 12 ), and showing thelocking assembly in the closed configuration (FIG. 13 ), according topossible embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the first mounting fixture shownin FIG. 11 , showing complementary locking components of the lockingassembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are enlarged views of the sections identified in FIG.14 , showing a locking recess (FIG. 14A) and a locking protrusion (FIG.14B) complementarily shaped with respect to one another, according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are top views of the first mounting fixture in apartially closed configuration (FIG. 15 ) and in the closedconfiguration (FIG. 16 ), according to possible embodiments, showing thecomplementary locking components engaged with one another.

FIGS. 17A to 17H are schematic representations of a method forconnecting an accessory to a vehicle using the accessory mountingsystem, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18 to 20 show an alternative embodiment of the first mountingfixture.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the accessorymounting system, showing a pair of mounting assemblies mounted oppositeone another on a vehicle surface.

FIGS. 22 a and 22 b are perspective views of a first mounting assembly(FIG. 22 a ) and a second mounting assembly (FIG. 22 b ) according topossible embodiments, showing mounting fixtures connected to anelongated rail.

FIG. 23 is a partially exploded view of the elongated rail shown in FIG.22 a , showing a slot extending along a length of the rail, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the elongated rail shown in FIG. 22 b ,showing a cross-sectional shape of the rail, the slot, and a fastenerextending through a bottom surface thereof, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an end of an elongated rail, with aconnector adapted to engage the slot of the rail, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly, showinga mounting fixture connectable to a mounting plate, which is in turnconnectable to the connectors within the slot, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the mounting assembly shown in FIG. 22 b ,showing a connector within the slot, and showing a second slot definedalong the elongated rail, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a support structure of a stackingassembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the support structure shownin FIG. 28 , showing a pair of support segments shaped and adapted toslidably engage one another, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the accessorymounting system, showing an accessory mounted in the stacking assembly.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the accessory mounting system shown inFIG. 30 , showing the stacking assembly connectable to a vehiclesurface, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a side view of the accessory mounting system, showing a pairof accessories connected together in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the support structure shown in FIG. 28, showing a support segment latch adapted to facilitate connectionbetween the support segments, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 34 a to 34 c are top views of the support structure, showingpossible configurations of the support structure defining respectivelengths thereof, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the accessory mounting system, showing anaccessory mounted within the stacking assembly, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 36 is a front view of the accessory mounting system shown in FIG.35 , showing a support connector extending between the components of thestacking assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the accessory mounting system shown in FIG.35 , showing a second accessory stacked on the first accessory using thestacking assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 38 and 39 are perspective views of accessories connected in astacked configuration using the stacking assembly, according to possibleembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be explained below in relation to various embodiments, thepresent disclosure relates to apparatuses, systems and methods formounting an accessory to a vehicle. More particularly, the presentdisclosure describes a mounting system for mounting an accessory to avehicle, such as a powersport vehicle. For example, the mounting systemcan be connected to an ATV, UTV, snowmobile, watercraft, motorcycle, orany other suitable vehicle. As will be described further below, themounting system includes a pair of mounting fixtures connected to thevehicle in a spaced apart relation. Each mounting fixture is adapted toreceive a corresponding portion of the accessory, with at least one ofthe mounting fixtures having a locking assembly operable to lock theaccessory in place, thereby securing the accessory within the other oneof the mounting fixtures, and therefore to the vehicle. The presentdisclosure also describes various embodiments of the mounting fixtures,and corresponding methods for connecting and securing an accessory tothe mounting fixtures and to the vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a mounting system 10 adapted for connectingan accessory 70 on a vehicle 60 is provided. In the embodimentsdescribed herein, the vehicle 60 typically corresponds to a snowmobile,although it should be understood that the snowmobile is exemplary, andthat other vehicles can be used in combination with the mounting system10. In this embodiment, the vehicle 60 includes a chassis 62 and avehicle surface 63 at least indirectly connected to the chassis 62 forinstalling the accessory mounting system 10. As seen in FIG. 1 , thevehicle surface 63 can correspond to a luggage area provided proximatethe rear of the vehicle. It is appreciated that the vehicle surface 63can be provided behind the driver, below the driver, beside the driver,or at any other suitable location or combination thereof. Alternatively,or additionally, the mounting system 10 can be connected to the chassis62 of the vehicle 60 via any other suitable method, such as directly tothe chassis 62, for example. In some embodiments, the vehicle surface 63can include a single substantially planar surface. However, in someembodiments, the vehicle surface 63 can include a plurality of surfacesarranged about the vehicle, with one or more of the surfaces beingcoplanar with respect to one another and/or with one or more of thesurfaces being in separate planes, for example.

In the context of the present technology, the term “axis” or “axes” maybe used to indicate an axis of rotation or refer to a “pivot joint” thatincludes all the necessary structure (e.g., bearing structures, pins,axles and other components) to permit a structure to pivot about such anaxis, for example. Furthermore, it should be understood that, in thepresent disclosure, a pivotal connection typically includes an axle or apin for supporting the pivotally connected parts, and the components(e.g., bearings, seals, etc.) that are generally used to allow rotationof the pivotally connected parts. As such, pivotal connections will notbe described in great details in the current description. Moreover, theexpression “at least indirectly connected” is understood to mean that acomponent may be connected to another component via one or moreintermediate structures or members, and that these intermediatestructures are not necessarily described in the current description.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2 , theaccessory mounting system 10 includes a first fixture 100 and a secondfixture 200 connected to the vehicle surface 63. The fixtures areillustratively separated from one another by a gap 11, which cancorrespond to a width of the vehicle surface, for example. The firstfixture 100 is generally positioned opposite the second fixture 200(e.g., on an opposite side of the vehicle surface 63), as seen in FIGS.3A and 3B. As will described further below, the first fixture 100 isadapted to receive a first portion of the accessory 70, and can includea locking assembly, or locking device, configured to secure the firstportion of the accessory 70 to the first fixture 100. Similarly, in someembodiments, the second fixture 200 can be adapted to receive a secondportion of the accessory 70 and can include a locking assemblyconfigured to secure the second portion of the accessory 70 to thesecond fixture 200. As such, the accessory 70 is connected to at leasttwo (2) different locations on the vehicle surface 63 and is secured tothe vehicle 60.

Now referring to FIGS. 4 to 7 , in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3B, the firstfixture 100 includes a first fixture body 101 removably connectable tothe vehicle surface 63 via any suitable manner, such as via fasteners170, for example. In this embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 5 , the firstfixture body 101 can be generally Li-shaped and includes lateral arms108 a, 108 b extending on opposite sides of the body 101. Morespecifically, the first fixture body 101 can include a bottom portion(e.g., bottom surface 102) adapted to abut against the vehicle surface63, a top portion (e.g., top surface 103) opposite the bottom portion,and sidewalls 104 extending between the bottom and top surfaces 102,103. Furthermore, the first fixture body 101 includes a front portion106 and a rear portion 107, with the lateral arms 108 a, 108 b extendingfrom the front portion 106 of the body 101 on opposite sides thereof.The lateral arms 108 a, 108 b illustratively define a frontal opening105 therebetween shaped and sized to receive a portion of the accessorytherein (e.g., the first portion of the accessory 70).

In some embodiments, the first fixture 100 can be substantially planarsuch that the bottom surface 102 can lay flat on the vehicle surface 63.In alternative embodiments, the first fixture body 101 can be at leastpartially curved (e.g., along the bottom surface) to cooperate with acurved surface of the vehicle 60, for example. In addition, when thefirst fixture 100 is connected to the vehicle surface 63, the firstfixture body 101 can be disposed in a manner where the lateral arms, 108a, 108 b extend away from the vehicle 60 (e.g., away from the secondfixture 200—see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Therefore, it is appreciated that thefrontal opening 105 is defined in a manner such that it opens towardsthe exterior of the vehicle 60. However, it is appreciated that thefirst fixture 100 can be connected to the vehicle 60 in any suitablemanner, such as the lateral arms 108 a, 108 b extend inwardly, i.e.,towards the second fixture 200, for example.

In some embodiments, the first fixture 100 can include a lockingassembly 120 operatively connected to the first fixture body 101, andoperable to selectively secure an accessory portion within the frontalopening 105. More specifically, and as will be described further below,the locking assembly 120 can include one or more elongated membersconnected to the lateral arms of the body. The elongated members can beadapted to extend between the lateral arms 108 a, 108 b, thereby closingthe frontal opening 105. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 120can be operable between an open configuration, where access is providedto the frontal opening 105 for positioning the accessory portiontherein, a closed configuration, where the frontal opening 105 is atleast partially closed and where the accessory portion is generallyconfined within the frontal opening 105, and a locked configuration,where the accessory portion is secured within the frontal opening 105.

Now referring to FIGS. 8 to 10 , the second fixture 200 includes asecond fixture body 201 removably connectable to the vehicle surface viaany suitable manner, such as via fasteners 170, for example. In thisembodiment, the second fixture body 201 can be generally li-shaped andinclude lateral segments 208 a, 208 b extending on opposite sides of thebody 201. More specifically, the second fixture body 201 can include abottom portion (e.g., bottom surface 202), a top portion (e.g., topsurface 203) opposite the bottom portion, and sidewalls 204 extendingbetween the bottom and top surfaces 202, 203. Furthermore, the secondfixture body 201 includes a front portion 206 and a rear portion 207,with the lateral segments 208 a, 208 b extending from the bottom surface202 of the body 201 on opposite sides thereof. As such, it should beunderstood that the lateral segments 208 a, 208 b extend generallyperpendicularly with respect to the second fixture body 201 and areadapted to engage the surface of the vehicle to connect the secondfixture 200 to the vehicle. The lateral segments 208 a, 208 billustratively define a passage 205 therebetween shaped and sized toreceive a portion of the accessory therein (e.g., the second portion ofthe accessory 70).

As seen in FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the passage 205 extendsthrough the second fixture body 201, i.e., extends between the front andrear portions 206, 207. In this embodiment, the passage 205 is inwardlytapered between the front and rear portions such that the distancebetween the lateral segments 208 a, 208 b proximate the front portion206 is greater than the distance between the lateral segments 208 a, 208b proximate the rear portion 207, although other configurations arepossible and may be used. Furthermore, when connecting the secondfixture 200 to the vehicle, the lateral segments 208 a, 208 b engage thevehicle surface such that the vehicle surface further defines thepassage 205. In other words, the passage 205 can be defined between thelateral segments 208 a, 208 b, and between the bottom surface 202 andthe vehicle surface. However, it is appreciated that otherconfigurations of the second fixture 200 are possible, such as having apassage 205 which extends only partially through the second fixture body201, for example. It is appreciated that securing the accessory to atleast one of the first and second fixtures 100, 200 can secure theaccessory to the vehicle, such that the accessory will remain connectedthereto during use of the vehicle (e.g., while driving/travelling).

Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 3B, a possible embodiment of the accessory70 will be described. It should be understood that the followingdescription of the accessory second directions can be generally the samesuch that the first protruding portion 77 extends in the same directionas the second protruding portion 78. For example, the first protrudingportion 77 can extend towards the second end 73, and thus towards thesecond protruding portion 78, and the second protruding portion 78 canextend away from the second end 73, and thus away from the firstprotruding portion 77. In this embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 2 , thefirst direction 81 is generally perpendicular to the second direction82, where the first protruding portion 77 extends downwardly from thefirst end 72 so as to enable engagement with the frontal opening fromabove, and the second protruding portion 78 extends away from the secondend 73 so as to enable engagement with the passage from the front.However, and as will be described further below, the first protrudingportion 77 can include transversely extending protrusions for engagingthe first fixture. As such, it is appreciated that the transverselyextending protrusions can be substantially parallel to the seconddirection 82.

In addition, the first and second protruding portions 77, 78 can beseparated from one another by a gap 79 (see FIG. 1 ), which can besubstantially equal to the gap 11 of the accessory mounting system 10(see FIG. 3A). Therefore, it should be understood that, in thisembodiment, the first and second protruding portions 77, 78 are spacedfrom one another by generally the same distance separating the first andsecond fixtures 100, 200.

In some embodiments, the first fixture 100 and second fixture 200 can besubstantially aligned across the surface of the vehicle 63, as shown inFIG. 3A. In other embodiments, the first and second fixtures 100, 200can be at least partially offset from one another, but remain parallelsuch that the first and second directions 81, 82 also remain parallel,as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the protruding portions 77, 78are integrally formed as part of the accessory 70, although it isappreciated that at least one of the protruding portions 77, 78 can beremovably connectable to the accessory 70, and thus interchangeable withother designs of protruding portions, for example.

In some embodiments, the first fixture body 101 can include a slot 115(see FIG. 11 ) defined in the bottom surface 102 and communicating withthe frontal opening 105. The slot 115 is shaped and sized to receivetherein a part of the first protruding portion 77, such as a distal end77 a (see FIG. 17C) of the first protruding portion 77, for example. Inother words, the distal end 77 a of the first protruding portion 77 canbe adapted to extend within the slot 115 so as to be positioned belowthe first fixture body 101, e.g., between the vehicle surface 63 and thebottom surface 102. It is thus noted that the distal end 77 a can extendsubstantially parallel to the second direction 82 (seen in FIG. 2 ). Aswill be further described below, positioning the first protrudingportion 77 within the slot 115 can prevent vertical movement of theaccessory 70 (e.g., due to the abutment of the first protruding portion77 with the first fixture body 101). Moreover, operating the lockingassembly 120 in the locked configuration can prevent horizontal movementof the accessory 70, or at least of the first protruding portion 77.Finally, it is noted that engagement of the accessory 70 with fixturespositioned at least two (2) separate locations can prevent rotation ofthe accessory 70 on the vehicle surface 63, thereby blocking movementand securing the accessory 70.

In some embodiments, the accessory 70 can be adapted to fit within thegap 11, which can be different for each vehicle 60, without requiringadjustment(s). In other embodiments, the accessory 70 can beconfigurable between different configurations, such that the gap 79between the protruding portions 77, 78 can be adjusted to match the gap11 of the vehicle surface 63. For example, multiple hole patterns, slotsand/or interface plate(s) can be used to adjust the size of the gap 79.Alternatively, or additionally, the accessory mounting system 10 can beconfigurable between different configurations such that the gap 11 canbe adjusted to match the gap 79, for example.

Now referring to FIGS. 11 to 13 , in addition to FIGS. 4 to 7 , asmentioned above, the locking assembly 120 can be selectively operated tosecure the accessory 70 to at least one of the first and second fixtures100, 200, such that the accessory 70 is secured to the vehicle 60. Inthis embodiment, the locking assembly 120 includes a first lock member130 and a second lock member 140 adapted to cooperate with one anotherto prevent inadvertent release of the accessory 70 from within thefrontal opening 105 of the first fixture body 101. In other words, inthis embodiment, the first and second lock members 130, 140 cooperatetogether to selectively close the frontal opening 105, thereby securingthe accessory portion therein.

In some embodiments, the first and second lock members 130, 140 includecomplementary locking features configured to engage one another whenoperating the lock assembly 120 in the closed configuration. Morespecifically, and as will be described further below, the first lockmember 130 can include a first hinged member 132 pivotally connected tothe body 101 and movable between a closed position (see in FIGS. 12 and13 ) where the first hinged member 132 extends at least partially acrossthe frontal opening 105, and an open position (seen in FIG. 11 ).Similarly, the second lock member 140 can include a second hinged member142 pivotally connected to the body 101 and movable between a closedposition (seen in FIGS. 6 and 13 ) where the second hinged member 142extends at least partially across the frontal opening 105, and an openposition (seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 ). It should be noted that positioningthe hinged members 132, 142 in the closed position generally correspondsto operating the locking assembly 120 in at least one of the closedconfigurations and the locked configuration.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 11 to 13 , the first hinged member 130 can bepivotally connected to the first fixture body 101, and more specificallyto one of the lateral arms, such as the first lateral arm 108 a. In thisembodiment, the first hinged member 132 is generally elongated andincludes a proximal end 132 a pivotally connected to the lateral arm 108a and a distal end 132 b opposite the proximal end 132 a. The firsthinged member 132 can be operated between the open position (FIG. 11 ),where the distal end 132 b is spaced from the fixture body 101, and theclosed position (FIG. 12 ), where the distal end 132 a is positionedproximate the fixture body 101. In the illustrated embodiment, thedistal end 132 b of the first hinged member 132 is adapted to engage(e.g., abut against) the second lateral arm 108 b when in the closedposition such that the first hinged member 132 extends across and closesthe frontal opening 105, as seen in FIG. 12 . It should thus beunderstood that, when the first protruding portion 77 of the accessory70 is positioned within the frontal opening 105, closing the firsthinged member 132 encloses the accessory portion 700 within the frontalopening 105.

In the present embodiment, the first hinged member 132 has a generallyarcuate shape adapted to surround the accessory portion 77 positionedwithin the frontal opening 105. Moreover, in some embodiments, the firsthinged member 132 can be provided with a secondary slot 135 (seen inFIG. 7 ) shaped and sized to receive therein a part of the firstprotruding portion 77, such as a proximal end 77b of the firstprotruding portion 77, for example. In other words, the proximal end 77bof the first protruding portion 77 can be adapted to extend within thesecondary slot 135 so as to be positioned below the first fixture body101, e.g., between the vehicle surface 63 and the first hinged member132. It is noted that the proximal end 77b can extend substantiallyparallel to the second direction 82 (seen in FIG. 2 ) and opposite tothe distal end 77 a, although other embodiments are possible.

Still referring to FIGS. 7 and 11 to 13 , the second hinged member 140can be pivotally connected to the first fixture body 101, and morespecifically to one of the lateral arms, such as the second lateral arm108 b. In this embodiment, the second hinged member 142 is generallyelongated and includes a proximal end 142 a pivotally connected to thesecond lateral arm 108 b and a distal end 142 b opposite the proximalend 142 a. The second hinged member 142 can be operated between the openposition (FIGS. 11 and 12 ), where the distal end 142 b is spaced fromthe fixture body 101, and the closed position (FIGS. 6 and 13 ), wherethe distal end 142 a is positioned proximate at least one of the fixturebody 101 and the first hinged member 132. In the illustrated embodiment,the distal end 142 b of the second hinged member 142 is adapted toengage (e.g., abut against) the first hinged member 132 when in theclosed position such that the first and second hinged members 132, 142at least partially overlap one another across the frontal opening 105.In the present embodiment, the second hinged member 142 has a generallyarcuate shape complementary with respect to at least a portion of thefirst hinged member 132 so as to conform therewith and facilitateengagement of the first and second hinged members 132, 142 with oneanother.

It should be noted that the locking assembly 120 is said to be in theclosed configuration when the first and second hinged members 132, 142are closed (i.e., pivoted inwardly, thereby closing the frontal opening105 and forming a loop 1000 (see FIG. 6 ) surrounding at least a portionof the accessory), as seen in FIGS. 6 and 13 . The locking assembly 120is said to be in the open configuration when the first and second hingedmembers 132, 142 are open (i.e., pivoted outwardly, thus breaking theloop 1000 and providing access to the frontal opening 105), as seen onFIG. 11 .

As seen in FIG. 7 , the first hinged member 132 can be connected to thefirst lateral arm 108 a via a first pivot pin 113, and the second hingedmember 142 can be connected to the second lateral arm 108 b via a secondpivot pin 123. The first and second pivot pins 113, 123 respectivelydefine pivot axes 114, 124 around which the first and second hingedmembers 132, 142 can rotate during operation of the locking assembly120. In this embodiment, the first and second pivot pins 113, 123 areprovided with respective retaining rings 119 configured to prevent thepivot pins from disengaging the first fixture body 101 and the hingedmembers 132, 142, thereby maintaining the hinged members 132, 142pivotally connected to the fixture body 101, although otherconfigurations are possible.

As previously explained, in this embodiment, the second hinged member142 is adapted to engage an outer surface of the first hinged member132. In other words, closing the locking assembly 120 can includeinitially closing the first hinged member 132 before the second hingedmember, with second hinged member 142 being configured to at leastpartially cover the first hinged member 132. In addition, in someembodiments, the first hinged member 132 includes a first lockingaperture 134, and the second hinged member 142 includes a second lockingaperture 144 configured to align with the first locking aperture 134when the locking assembly 120 is in the closed configuration. As such, alocking device, such as a padlock 180 (seen in FIG. 17H) can be insertedthrough the locking apertures 134, 144 and locked, thereby operating thelocking assembly 120 in the locked configuration and preventing thefirst and second hinged members 132, 142 from being moved in the openposition.

As seen in FIG. 6 , the locking apertures 134, 144 can be adapted to bealigned with one another approximately halfway across the frontalopening 105 to facilitate insertion of the locking device. However, itis appreciated that the locking apertures 134, 144 can be positioned atany suitable location along the hinged members 132, 142 to align withone another and enable the use of a padlock to effectively lock thehinged members 132, 142 in the closed position. It should be appreciatedthat operating the locking assembly 120 in the locked configuration canprevent theft of the accessory 70 mounted to the accessory mountingsystem 10.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 11 to 13 , the locking assembly 120 caninclude a resilient member 150 removably coupled to the second hingedmember 142 and configured to bias the locking assembly 120 in the closedconfiguration. As seen in FIG. 7 , the resilient member 150 can beremovably coupled to the second hinged member 142 via a resilient memberfastener 151, although other methods of connections are possible, suchas via a slot and key connection, snap connection, press-fit connection,or any other suitable method. It is noted that moving the second hingedmember 142 between the open and closed positions correspondingly movesthe resilient member 150, i.e., the second hinged member 142 and theresilient member pivot 150 about the second pivot axes 124. In someembodiments, the resilient member 150 is selectively connectable to thefirst hinged member 132 in a manner such that at least one of the firstand second hinged members 132, 142 is biased in the closed position. Inthe present embodiment, connecting the resilient member 150 to the firsthinged member 132 biases each one of the first and second hinged members132, 142 in the closed position, thereby further securing the accessoryportion within the frontal opening 105.

In some embodiments, the first hinged member 132 can include a tab 138extending outwardly therefrom, and the resilient member 150 can includea tab receiving opening 158 adapted to have the tab 138 extendtherethrough. As seen in FIGS. 11 to 13 , the tab 138 can be generallyhook-shaped such that insertion of the tab 138 through the tab-receivingopening 158 can prevent the resilient member 150 from disengaging thefirst hinged member 132. More particularly, in this embodiment, theresilient member 150 includes a rubber strap configured to be deformed,e.g., stretched, to enable the tab receiving opening 158 to reach thetab 138, and allow the tab 138 to extend through the opening. Once theresilient member 150 is released (e.g., no longer stretched) the tab 138abuts a side of the tab-receiving opening 158, with the hook-shapethereof preventing the resilient member 150 from disengaging the firsthinged member 132. As such, it is noted that, in order to remove the tab138 from within the tab-receiving opening 158, it can be required tostretch the resilient member 150 once again to unhook the resilientmember 150 from the first hinged member 132. In this embodiment, the tab138 is positioned proximate the proximal end 132 a of the first hingedmember 132, and the tab-receiving opening 158 is positioned near thedistal end of the resilient member 150. However, it is appreciated thatother configurations are possible, such as having the tab 138 bepositioned on the second hinged member and have the tab-receivingopening 158 positioned on the first hinged member, for example.

The resilient member 150 is typically used as an additional and/oralternative feature to prevent inadvertent opening of the hinged members132, 142. More particularly, in some embodiments, and with reference toFIGS. 14 to 14B, the locking assembly 120 can be further provided with acomplementary locking feature 160 adapted to prevent accidental (i.e.,undesired) release of the accessory. In some embodiments, thecomplementary locking feature 160 can include complementarily shapedcomponents provided on the first and second hinged members 132, 142 andconfigured to engage one another in a manner such that opening the firsthinged member 132 (from the closed configuration) is at least partiallyprevented. Therefore, it is noted that, if the accessory portion withinthe frontal opening 105 creates a force on the first hinged member 132(i.e., from within the frontal opening 105), the complementary lockingfeature 160 would generally prevent the first and second hinged members132, 142 from opening (e.g., even in the absence of the resilient member150).

In the present embodiment, the complementarily shaped components includea first component, such as a recess 162 provided proximate the distalend 132 b of the first hinged member 132, and a second component, suchas a protrusion 164 provided proximate the proximal end 142 a of thesecond hinged member 142. In some embodiments, the recess 162 isprovided on an outwardly facing side of the first hinged member 132, andthe protrusion 164 is provided on an inwardly facing side of the secondhinged member 142. Therefore, it is appreciated that closing the hingedmembers 132, 142 snugly positions the protrusion 164 within thecomplementarily shaped recess 162.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 , in addition to FIGS. 14 to 14B, therecess 162 and the protrusion 164 each include a corresponding lockingsurface 163, 165. As seen in FIG. 16 , the locking surfaces 163, 165 canbe tangent to an imaginary circle centered at the second pivot axis 124such that, when the locking assembly 120 is in the closed configuration,the locking surfaces 163, 165 have their normal vectors 163a, 165asubstantially aligned with a perpendicular projection 166 of the secondpivot axis 124. Therefore, it is noted that attempting to open the firsthinged member 132, when in the closed configuration, causes the lockingsurface of the recess 163 to push against the locking surface of theprotrusion 165, thereby creating an outwardly oriented axial force.Moreover, due to the alignment of the normal vectors 163a, 165a with thesecond pivot axis projection 166, the axial force does not create arotational force about the second pivot axis 124, and thereby does notengage the second hinged member 142 in rotation. In other words, when inthe closed configuration, the complementary locking feature 160 preventsthe hinged members 132, 142 from opening due to an outwardly orientedforce being applied on an inner surface of the first hinged member 132.It should thus be understood that, in this embodiment, the second hingedmember 142 is required to be opened to enable opening the first hingedmember 132. However, it is appreciated that other configurations arepossible.

As an example, and with reference to FIG. 16 , when an opening force1100 is applied to the first hinged member 132, the pivotal connectionof said hinged member 132 induces a rotational force 1400 about thefirst pivot axis 114. The rotational force 1400 causes the lockingsurface of the recess 163 to push against the locking surface of theprotrusion 165 and creates an axial force on the locking surface of theprotrusion 165. As explained above, the protrusion locking surface 165is configured to have its normal vector 165a substantially in line withthe perpendicular projection 166 of the second pivot axis 124 (i.e.,without creating a material lever arm relative to said second pivot axis124), such that the axial force does not contribute to opening thesecond hinged member 142. The axial force is instead divided into shearforces applied to the first and second pivot pins 113, 123. A commonexample of this phenomenon can be described by trying to open a door bypushing directly on the pins of its hinges. It should thus be understoodthat, in the described embodiment, a rotational force (i.e., a force anda lever arm) is required in order to open the second hinged member 142,which then enables the first hinged member 132 to be freely open.

As mentioned above, the complementary locking feature 160 is configuredto neutralize, or at least partially counteract, an opening forceapplied to the first hinged member 132 toward its opening direction (asseen in FIG. 16 ). However, the complementary locking feature 160 doesnot necessarily prevent other opening forces applied to said secondhinged member 142 toward its opening direction from opening the lockingassembly 120. The previously described resilient member 150 thereby alsocontributes to maintaining the hinged members 132, 142 closed.

Now referring to FIGS. 17A to 17H, and broadly referring to FIGS. 1 to16 , an exemplary method for mounting an accessory 70 to a vehiclesurface 63 is shown and will now be described. The method 600 may becompletely or partially implemented using the accessory mounting system10 and, as such, will be described with reference to the accessorymounting system 10 described herein.

The method can start by determining which of the vehicle surface 63 andthe accessory 70 will define the distance between the first and secondfixtures 100, 200 (i.e., gap 11) and/or the distance between theprotruding portions of the accessory (i.e. gap 79), as seen in FIGS. 17Aand 17B. For example, if the width of the accessory 70 is greater thanthe width of the vehicle surface 63, the distance between the fixtures100, 200 cannot be equal to the width of the accessory 70. Thereby, thedistance between the protruding portions 77, 78 is adjusted to the sizeof the gap 11 between the first and second fixtures 100, 200.

Then, at FIG. 17B, the method includes the step of installing theaccessory mounting system 10 to the vehicle 60, by connecting the firstfixture 100 and the second fixture 200 to the vehicle surface 63,thereby defining the gap 11 therebetween. At this step, the lockingassembly 120 is preferably in the open configuration for exposing thefrontal opening 105. Then, as seen in FIGS. 17C and 17D, the firstprotruding portion 77 is oriented towards the opened locking assembly120 of the first fixture 100 (i.e., towards the frontal opening 105),and the second protruding portion 78 is oriented towards the passage 205of the second fixture 200. The accessory 70 is then lowered towards thevehicle surface 63 for engaging the first protruding portion 77 in thefrontal opening 105 of the first fixture 100 and engaging the secondprotruding portion 78 in the passage of the second fixture 200. This canbe accomplished by performing a translation of the second protrudingportion 78 toward the second fixture 200 and lowering the firstprotruding portion 77 within the frontal opening 105. However, it isappreciated that other methods or steps are possible and may be used forconnecting the accessory 70 to the mounting system 10, and thus to thevehicle 60.

At this point, the first protruding portion 77 and the second protrudingportion 78 should be engaged with corresponding fixtures 100, 200, asshown in FIGS. 17Eand 17F.

The locking assembly 120 can then be operated in the closedconfiguration, as seen in FIGS. 17G and 17H. In this embodiment, thisstep includes: 1) closing the first hinged member 132 until the distalend thereof abuts the body 101 of the first fixture 100 (FIG. 17G); 2)closing the second hinged member 142 for covering at least a portion ofthe first hinged member 132, and until the distal end of the secondhinged member 142 abuts the first hinged member 132 (FIG. 17H), and 3)securing the resilient member 150 to the first hinged member 132 (FIG.17H).

As seen in FIG. 17H, the method can include locking the locking assembly120 via a locking device 180 (e.g., a padlock) installed through thecorresponding apertures 134, 144 of the hinged members 132, 142,respectively.

It should be understood that a method for releasing the accessory 70from the accessory mounting system 10 substantially includes the stepsof the method described above but performed in reverse order.

It will be understood that implementations of the accessory mountingsystem 10 described herein can be used in relation with variousvehicles, and for various accessories, such as fuel tanks, bags, racks,etc. It is also noted that the mounting system 10 can facilitateattaching and disconnecting (i.e., detaching) accessories to and from avehicle, thereby enabling easy and safe transport and use of theseaccessories at a desired location.

Alternate embodiments are shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 , whereby the frontalopening 105 of the first fixture 100 defines a D-shaped opening when thelocking assembly 120 is in the closed configuration (best seen in FIG.20 ), rather than a generally hexagonal-shaped opening, such as in thepreviously described embodiments (e.g., seen in FIG. 6 ). Moreover, themounting system 10 can include a mounting plate 190 adapted to beconnected between the vehicle surface and the first fixture body 101.The mounting plate 190 can be configured to prevent, or at least reduce,wearing down of the mounting system and related components. For example,the mounting plate 190 can reduce wear on the accessory (e.g., the firstend and/or the first protruding portion), the mounting system (e.g., thefirst fixture body) and/or the vehicle surface. As such, in thisembodiment, the mounting plate 190 is configured to allow secureinstallation of the fixture body 101 and reduce the risks of plasticdeformations, creeping, cracking, shrinking, etc.

In addition, the mounting plate 190 can be adapted to provide a secureconnection for the fixture body in embodiments where the bearing surfaceof the fixture (e.g., the vehicle surface) is covered by a film or layerof protective material, for example. In some embodiments, the mountingplate 190 can be made of a softer material relative to the material ofthe fixture body 101. For example, the material of the mounting plate190 can be a plastic.

The mounting plate 190 can be connected to the vehicle surface and/orthe mounting fixture (i.e., on the bottom surface thereof) via anysuitable method, such as via adhesion (e.g., using a glue), viafasteners or via a combination thereof. In some embodiments, themounting plate 190 can be a sticker positioned between the fixture bodyand the vehicle surface. As seen in FIG. 18 , the mounting plate 190 canhave a generally M-shape, with a central portion thereof adapted togenerally conform to the shape of the first fixture 100 (e.g., theLi-shaped first fixture 100). However, it is appreciated that themounting plate 190 can have any other suitable shape and configuration.

It should be noted that the mounting plate 190 described above inrelation with the first fixture 100 can alternatively, or additionally,be provided for the second mounting fixture, such as the second fixtureshown in FIG. 8 , for example. In other words, each of the first andsecond fixtures can be provided with their respective mounting platesfor providing substantially the same advantages for both fixtures (e.g.,reduced wear, increase lifespan, reduce the risks of plasticdeformations, creeping, cracking, shrinking, etc.).

It should be noted that the above-described mounting system may beembodied in other specific forms. The described example implementationsare to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and notrestrictive. For example, in the embodiments described herein, themounting system includes a pair of fixtures, and includes a firstfixture and a second fixture installed opposite one another. However, itis noted that, in some embodiments, the mounting system can include apair of fixtures which includes two (2) of the same type of fixtures,such as a pair of first fixtures, for example, or a single fixture,whereby the first fixture is the only fixture holding the accessoryconnected to the vehicle. In other alternative embodiments, the firstand second fixtures can be provided with the protruding portions, andthe accessory itself is provided with openings, passages and/or lockingassemblies configured for securing the accessory to the fixtures. Insome embodiments, the first and/or second fixtures are typically made ofa polymeric material (e.g., plastic), which can be moulded and/or 3Dprinted, for example. However, it is appreciated that the first fixturecan be made of any other suitable material, such as a metallic materialor a composite material, for example.

Additionally, and as previously described, it is noted that the mountingfixtures are adapted to be connected to the vehicle using fasteners,such as screws. The vehicle can be provided with pre-drilled holesconfigured to have components similar to the mounting fixtures beconnected thereto at predetermined locations. It is possible to create(e.g., drill) additional holes in the vehicle surface to enableconnection of the mounting fixture at different locations on the vehicleor enable connection of more mounting fixtures. In some embodiments, themounting fixtures can be movably connected to the vehicle, andselectively secured in the desired location. As such, the position ofthe accessory on the vehicle can be adjusted. For example, the mountingsystem includes a rail assembly comprising a pair of rails connected tothe vehicle surface, with one or more of the mounting fixtures connectedto the rails. The mounting fixtures are slidably mounted to the rails toadjust their position there along, and thus upon the vehicle. Themounting fixtures can further be selectively secured to the rails,thereby securing the accessory at a desired location and/orconfiguration on the vehicle. It is thus noted that the accessory can bemounted to a desired portion of the vehicle located along the railsand/or that multiple accessories can be mounted to the vehicle along thepair of rails. As will be described further below, the rail assembly canbe connected to the vehicle in a spaced apart relation such that a pairof mounting fixtures can be mounted to respective rails opposite oneanother.

Referring to FIGS. 21 to 22 b, the mounting system 10 can include a pairof mounting assemblies 300 removably connectable to the vehicle surface63. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting system 10 includes afirst mounting assembly 302 and a second mounting assembly 304 adaptedto be removably connected to the vehicle surface opposite one anotheralong the vehicle surface 63. Each mounting assembly 300 can include anelongated rail 320 and one or more mounting fixtures, such as thepreviously described first and second mounting fixtures 100, 200,adapted to be slidably connected to the rail 320. The rails 320 areillustratively mounted parallel to one another and separated by the gap11, which can correspond to a width of the vehicle surface 63, forexample. Therefore, the first mounting fixture 100 can be generallypositioned opposite the second mounting fixture 200 (e.g., on anopposite side of the vehicle surface 63 and across the gap 11), as seenin FIG. 21 . However, it is appreciated that the rails 320 can bemounted to the vehicle in any suitable manner, such as at an anglerelative to one another, perpendicular to one another, axially alignedwith one another, etc.

In some embodiments, each rail 320 can be provided with a plurality ofmounting fixtures positioned at any suitable location along the rail320, thereby allowing the accessory to be further secured to the vehicleand/or allowing for additional accessories to be connected to thevehicle.

Now referring to FIGS. 23 to 27 , in addition to FIGS. 21 to 22 b, therail 320 of a given mounting assembly 300 is generally elongated and hasa thickness extending between a top surface 322 and a bottom surface324. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 324 is adapted to engage(e.g., contact) the vehicle surface 63 to enable connection of the rail320 to the vehicle. In addition, the elongated rail 320 includes aninner section 325 defining an inner edge 326, and an outer section 327defining an outer edge 328. It is noted that, in this embodiment, theinner edge 326 corresponds to the edge of the rail 320 facing themounting assembly 300 installed on the other side of the vehicle surface63, and that the outer edge 328 of the rail 320 corresponds to the edgefacing away from the vehicle.

In the present embodiment, the rail 320 includes a slot 330 extendingalong a length of the rail 320. In this embodiment, the slot 330 extendslongitudinally along the rail, and more particularly along an entirelength thereof. As seen in FIGS. 22 a, 22 b and 23, the slot 330 opensat both ends of the rail 320, although it is appreciated that otherconfigurations are possible, such as having the slot 330 open at asingle end of the rail 320, or having the slot 330 extendperpendicularly relative to the length of the rail 320 at one or morelocations, for example. Moreover, the slot 330 illustratively includesan opening 332 defined on the top surface 322 of the rail 320 to enablecomponents positioned within the slot 330 to be accessible and/or toextend out of the slot 330 through the opening 332 in the top surface322. As seen in FIGS. 23 and 24 , the rail 320 can be connected to thevehicle via fasteners 172 (e.g., nut and screw assemblies) extendingthrough a thickness of the rail 320 and into the vehicle. In thisembodiment, the fasteners 172 are positioned along the slot 330 and areprovided with generally flat heads 17 4 so as to be generally coplanarwith the slot 330, although other configurations and/or positions of thefasteners 172 are possible and may be used to connect the rail 320 tothe vehicle.

In some embodiments, the rail 320 can be provided with a plurality offastener apertures 176 spaced along the length of the rail 320 (e.g.,along the slot 330). As such, the rail 320 can be connected to any givenvehicle surface provided with predrilled holes configured to havecomponents fastened thereto. It is thus appreciated that the rail 320can be adapted to be connected to any type of vehicle provided with anystandard fastening holes, for example. In some embodiments, additionalholes can be drilled into the vehicle surface to enable the use ofadditional fasteners 172 and provide a more secure connection of therail 320 to the vehicle. It should be noted that, in some embodiments,the rail 320 can be secured via one, two, three or any other suitablenumber of fasteners (e.g., nut and screw assemblies).

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 25 to 27 , the mounting assembly300 further includes a connector 350 configured to engage the slot 320and be displaced along its length. The connector 350 can be furtheradapted to have the mounting fixture (e.g., the first or second mountingfixture 100, 200) be connected thereto in order to couple the mountingfixture to the rail 320. The connector 350 can be shaped and sized to beslidably mounted within the slot 330 and can be inserted within the slot330 via one of the openings at either end of the rail 320. It is notedthat having the connector 350 slidably mounted within the slot 330enables the connected mounting fixture to slide along the rail 320(i.e., due to its connection to the connector 350). In the presentembodiment, the connector 350 includes a head portion 352 shaped andconfigured to fit within the slot 330, and a shank portion 354 extendingfrom the head portion 352 and adapted to extend through the opening 332of the slot 330. As will be further described, the shank portion 354extends upwardly from the rail 320 to enable connection with themounting fixture.

In this embodiment, the slot 330 and the connector 350 can be at leastpartially complementarily shaped so as to enable movement of theconnector 350 along the slot 330 (i.e., along the length of the rail320) while preventing other types of movements. For example, in someembodiments, the slot 330 can have a generally inverted T-shape, wherethe top surface 322 overhangs a portion of the slot 330 on either sidethereof for defining the opening 332. In other words, the opening 332 ofthe slot 330 is narrower than a main portion 334 thereof. The headportion 352 of the connector 350 can be complementarily shaped withrespect to the main portion 334 of the slot 330, and the shank portion354 can be shaped and adapted to extend through the opening 332.Moreover, and as seen in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the head portion 352 isadapted to prevent removal of the connector 350 from the slot 330through the opening 332 by abutting against the top surface 322 whichoverhangs the slot 330. In some embodiments, the connector 350 and theslot 330 form a dovetail connection, or any other similar connection,which enables axial movement of the connector along the slot 330, whilepreventing radial movement.

Still referring to FIGS. 23 to 27 , the main portion 334 of the slot 330can include sidewalls 336 extending parallel to one another on oppositesides of the slot 330. As previously described, the head portion 352 ofthe connector 350 is adapted to fit into the main portion 334 and isslidably mounted therein. Moreover, the head portion 352 can include oneor more lateral edges 355 configured to prevent rotation of the headportion 352 when positioned within the slot 330. For example, in thisembodiment, the head portion 352 has a hexagonal shape, and therebyincludes three (3) pairs of parallel edges 355. It should thus beunderstood that engaging the head portion 352 within the slot 330correspondingly positions at least one pair of edges 355 in aface-to-face configuration with the sidewalls 336. It is noted that thepair of lateral edges 355 engaging the sidewalls 336 of the slot 330prevents rotation of the connector 350 within the slot 330.

In this embodiment, and as seen in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the shank portion354 is adapted to extend through the opening 332 to enable the mountingfixture 100 to be coupled to the shank portion 354. In some embodiments,the mounting fixture 100 can be provided with one of a female connectionand a male connection, and the shank portion 354 can be provided withthe other one of the female connection and the male connectionconfigured to engage one another. More specifically, in this embodiment,the shank portion 354 is provided with the female connection, such as aborehole 356, and the mounting fixture 100 includes the male connection,such as mounting fasteners 170 adapted to extend through the firstmounting fixture 100 (seen in FIG. 26 ), through the second mountingfixture 200 (seen in FIG. 27 ) and into the corresponding borehole 356.It is noted that fastening the mounting fixtures 100, 200 onto the shankportion 354 (via the mounting fasteners 170) secures the connector 350in place within the slot 330, thereby securing the mounting fixturesalong the rail 320 and on the vehicle surface. In some embodiments, theborehole 356 of the shank portion 354 and the mounting fastener 170 arethreaded. Therefore, it is noted that fastening the mounting fastener170 in the borehole 356 causes the head portion 352 to abut against thetop surface 322 of the rail 320 (i.e., from within the slot 330),thereby squeezing the top surface 322 between the head portion 352 andthe mounting fixture, and securing the connector 350 and the mountingfixture along the rail 320.

It should be understood that the first and/or second mounting fixtures100, 200 can be slidably coupled to the rail 320 via the connector 350when the mounting fastener 170 is not fully fastened. As such, themounting fixtures can be displaced up and down the slot 330 to a desiredlocation, and the mounting fasteners 170 can be fastened until theconnection with the connector 350 tightens, thereby blocking movementand securing the mounting fixtures in place. It should thus beunderstood that the accessory, which is connected to the mountingfixture, can therefore be connected to the vehicle at any desiredlocation along the rail 320.

In some embodiments, each mounting fixture is coupled to the rail 320via at least two (2) mounting fasteners 170 coupled to respectiveconnectors 350. In other words, the mounting assembly 300 can includetwo (2) connectors 350 for each mounting fixture, although it isappreciated that other configurations are possible. Furthermore, andwith reference to FIGS. 26 and 27 , the mounting assembly 300 caninclude the mounting plate 190 adapted to be connected between the rail320 and the corresponding mounting fixture. The mounting plate 190 canbe configured to prevent, or at least reduce, wearing down of themounting assembly and related components. For example, the mountingplate 190 can reduce wear of the accessory coupled to the mountingfixtures, of the mounting fixture itself, of the rail 320 and/or of thevehicle surface.

In this embodiment, the mounting plate 190 is further adapted tofacilitate connecting any given mounting fixture with the correspondingconnectors 350. For example, the mounting plate 190 can be provided withapertures 192 shaped and sized to receive the shank portion 354 of oneof the connectors 350. As seen in FIG. 26 , the mounting plate 190 caninclude a pair of apertures 192 adapted to have the shank portions 354of adjacent connectors 350 extend therethrough. As such, movement of theconnectors 350 relative to one another is blocked (i.e., movement of oneconnector 350 causes displacement of the mounting plate 190, and thus ofthe other one of the connectors 350), and the mounting fixture can bealigned with both connectors 350.

In addition, the mounting plate 190 can be adapted to provide a secureconnection for the fixture body in embodiments where the bearing surfaceof the fixture (e.g., the top surface of the rail 322) is covered by afilm or layer of protective material, for example. In some embodiments,the mounting plate 190 can be made of a softer material relative to thematerial of the mounting fixture so as to reduce the risks of plasticdeformations, creeping, cracking, shrinking, etc. For example, thematerial of the mounting plate 190 can be a plastic. The mounting plate190 can be connected to the top surface 322 of the rail 320 and/or tothe mounting fixture (i.e., on the bottom surface thereof) via anysuitable method, such as via adhesion (e.g., using a glue), viafasteners or via a combination thereof. In some embodiments, themounting plate 190 can be a sticker positioned between the fixture bodyand the rail 320.

Referring back to FIGS. 21 to 22 b, the first and second mountingassemblies 302, 304 are illustratively installed opposite one anotheracross the surface 63 of the vehicle 60. Each mounting assembly 300being provided with respective mounting fixtures, such as one or morefirst and/or second mounting fixtures 100, 200, so as to connectdifferent portions of an accessory to the vehicle such that theaccessory extends between the mounting assemblies 302, 304. In thisembodiment, the mounting system 10 enables an accessory to be connectedto a pair of mounting fixtures provided on separate rails 320 (e.g., thefirst mounting fixture 100 and the second mounting fixture 200).However, it should be noted that a single rail 320 can be provided withone or more mounting fixtures, and that an accessory can be coupled tothe single rail 320, thereby connecting the accessory to the vehicleusing a single mounting assembly 300. It is also appreciated thatproviding multiple mounting fixtures to one or more mounting assemblies300 can enable to connection of multiple accessories to the vehicle,using one or more rails 320.

In some embodiments, the rails 320 are made of a metallic material, suchas aluminium, although other materials, or combination thereof can beused, such as a plastic, for example. The rails 320 can further beprovided with a surface treatment, such as an anodizing process, toreduce wear and increase lifespan. The rails 320 can be manufactured viaan extrusion process, which can provide a generally constantcross-section to the rail 320 along its length (e.g., the cross sectionshown in FIG. 24 ). However, it is noted that other manufacturingprocesses are possible, such as moulding (e.g., in the case of plasticrails) or a 3D-printing process, for example.

As seen in FIG. 24 , the rail 320 can include additional features, suchas a second slot 338 defined in the inner section 325 of the rail 320,whereas the slot 330 is defined in the outer section 327. The secondslot 338 can extend along a portion of the rail 320, or alternativelyalong the entire length thereof. The second slot 338 can be adapted toprovide a balance to the rail 320 such that the inner section 325 is notoverly weighted compared to the outer section 327. It is noted thatconnecting the rail 320 to the vehicle surface can block access to thesecond slot 338. As such, the second slot 338 can have any suitableshape and/or size. However, in this embodiment, the second slot 338 hasa similar shape as the slot 330, although inverted. In other words, thesecond slot 338 has a T-shape, with an opening 339 defined through thebottom surface 324 of the rail 320, which can enable connection of therail 320 to the vehicle upside down. In some embodiments, the rail 320can be connected to a vehicle in a manner providing access to either oneof the slot 330 and the second slot 338, or both, such that additionalconnectors and mounting fixtures can be installed, and additionalaccessories can be connected to the vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24 , the inner and/or outer edges 326, 328 ofthe rail 320 can be shaped and adapted to conform to the shape of thevehicle to which the rail 320 is connected. For example, in thisembodiment, the inner edge 326 is tapered inwardly such that the topsurface 322 extends further than the bottom surface 324. Thisconfiguration can facilitate connection of the rail 320 onto asnowmobile tunnel having an embossed pattern, for example. Additionally,in this embodiment, the rail 320 can be at least partially bevelled ateach end thereof, thus defining bevelled ends 329. The bevels can bemade at any suitable angle, and along across a portion of the end, oracross an entire length thereof. It is noted that the rail 320 can betapered, bevelled or otherwise shaped and configured in any suitable,desired and/or required manner to facilitate positioning of the rail 320onto the vehicle surface. In some embodiments, the rails 320 can beshaped to conform to various components of the vehicle, such as lights,seats, etc. It should also be noted that shaping the rails 320 toconform to the vehicle (e.g., via tapers, bevels, chamfers, etc.) canreduce the materials used to manufacture the rails 320, which can reducethe weight of the rails 320 and thereby reduce manufacturing andhandling costs.

Alternatively, it is appreciated that the rail 320 can have a generallyrectangular shape, with parallel sides and edges, and a sufficientthickness enabling the accessories connected to the rails to extend overany pattern or obstacles on the vehicle surface.

Referring broadly to FIGS. 21 to 27 , it is appreciated that a methodfor connecting an accessory to a vehicle using the mounting system 10described herein can include the steps of; connecting at least one rail320 provided with a slot 330 to a vehicle surface 63, slidably mountinga connector 350 within the slot 330, coupling a mounting fixture (100 or200) to the connector 350 and fastening the mounting fixture 630 to theconnector 350 to secure the mounting fixture along the rail 320, andconnecting the accessory to the mounting fixture (e.g., via the lockingassembly 200). The above-listed steps can be performed in any suitableorder, for example, the accessory can be coupled to the mounting fixtureprior to connecting the fixture to the connector. It is noted that, insome embodiments, in order to connect the rail 320 to the vehiclesurface 63, additional holes may need to be drilled into the vehiclesurface 63 to enable connection of the rail 320. In the illustratedembodiments, connecting the rail 320 to the vehicle surface 63 includesconnecting a pair of rails 320 in space apart relation, and coupling oneor more mounting fixtures to each rail 320.

The described example implementations are to be considered in allrespects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. For example, inthe embodiments described herein, the mounting system includes a pair ofmounting assemblies, and includes a first rail and a second railinstalled opposite one another. However, it is noted that, in someembodiments, the mounting system can include a pair of rails adapted tobe mounted in an end-to-end manner, with the rails being configured toclip, or otherwise connect, to one another to define a longer rail, forexample. The rails used in the mounting assemblies can be of the samelength, or of varying lengths. Alternatively, the mounting assembly caninclude rails configured to adjust their respective lengths to a desiredlength, such as via a telescopic portion installed along the rail.

In other alternative embodiments, the accessory can be coupled directlyto the connectors 350. For example, the accessory can be provided with aconnection portion complementarily shaped relative to the shank portionof the connector such that the accessory can be connected to theconnector without an intermediary component (e.g., the mountingfixture). In yet other embodiments, the shank portion of the connectorcan be adapted to form a quick release coupling with the component it isconnected to (e.g., the mounting fixture or the accessory), therebyfacilitating connection and disconnection of the accessory to and fromthe vehicle.

It should be noted that the mounting assemblies described above provideflexibility to a user, where the accessories can be connected at thedesired locations on along the rails. However, the length of the rails320 (or the width of the vehicle surface) can limit the number ofpossible locations where an accessory can be connected and/or limit thenumber of accessories connectable to the vehicle via the mountingsystem. In some embodiments, the mounting system can include a stackingassembly adapted to cooperate with one of the mounting assembly (e.g.,the rails and the mounting fixtures), the accessory and the vehicle toenable accessories to be mounted to the vehicle in a stackedconfiguration. As such, additional accessories can be mounted on thevehicle, for example, when there is no space left to connect anaccessory to the rails and/or the mounting fixtures connected to thevehicle surface.

In some embodiments, the stacking assembly of the mounting systemincludes a support structure configured to be coupled to the vehicle ina manner such that the support structure is generally elevated (i.e.,above the vehicle surface) to allow a first accessory to be connected tothe mounting system below the support structure (e.g., via a first setof mounting fixtures). The stacking assembly can further include one ormore mounting fixtures secured to the support structure such that asecond accessory can be secured to the support structure (e.g., via asecond set of mounting fixtures), and therefore stacked on the firstaccessory.

Referring to FIGS. 28 to 32 , a stacking assembly 400 according to anembodiment is shown. The stacking assembly 400 can include a supportstructure 410 adapted to be coupled to the vehicle 60 and enableaccessories to be stacked on top of each other. The support structure410 can be provided with one or more mounting fixtures, such as a firstmounting fixture 100 and a second mounting fixture 200, mounted atopposite ends of the support structure 410. More particularly, one ofthe first and second mounting fixtures 100, 200 can be mounted at afirst end 41 Oa, and the other one of the first and second mountingfixtures 100, 200 can be mounted at a second end 41 Ob, although otherconfigurations are possible.

As such, it is appreciated that an accessory 70 (seen in FIGS. 30 and 31) provided with first and second protruding portions 77, 78, forexample, can be coupled to the support structure 410 (i.e., the firstand second protruding portions 77, 78 are connectable to the first andsecond mounting fixtures 100, 200, respectively). In this embodiment,and as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 , the support structure 410 can bepositioned atop the accessory 70, which is adapted to be connected tothe vehicle 60 via any apparatus or system. For example, the accessory70 can be mounted to the vehicle via a pair of mounting fixtures 100,200, via a pair of rails 320 (see FIG. 21 ) or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, and as will be further described below, the supportstructure 410 is connectable to the first accessory 70 (i.e., theaccessory positioned below the support structure 410). In otherembodiments, the support structure 410 can be adapted to be connected tothe vehicle surface 63, or a separate component connected to the vehiclesurface (e.g., another mounting fixture and/or a rail assembly).

In the present embodiment, the support structure 410 includes a firstsupport segment 412 and a second support segment 414 coupled to eachother to define a length of the support structure 410. The first andsecond support segments 412, 414 are generally elongated and adapted tointerlock with one another along their longitudinal axis. In addition,the first and second support segments 412, 414 are adapted to beselectively secured to one another such that the support structure 410has a desired length. It is thus noted that the support structure 410can be at least partially telescopic, whereby the first and secondsupport segments 412, 414 cooperate with each other to define thedesired length of the support structure 410. It is appreciated thatselecting a desired length of the support structure 410 correspondinglydefines the distance between the mounting fixtures 100, 200 connected toeach end of the support structure 410. A such, the distance between themounting fixtures can be adjusted, for example, based on the accessorybeing connected thereto.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 29 , the first support segment 412include a fixture end 416 adapted to have one of the first and secondmounting fixtures 100, 200 be connected thereto. The fixture end 416 caninclude a generally flat platform 417 configured to receive thereon themounting fixture and/or the mounting plate 190. The platform 417includes one or more apertures to enable connection of the mountingfixtures via corresponding mounting fasteners 170. However, inalternative embodiments, the mounting fixtures can form an integral partof the support structure 410. Furthermore, the first support segment 412includes an interlocking portion 418 extending from the fixture end 416along the longitudinal axis (A1) of the first support segment 412. Theinterlocking portion 418 is adapted to engage the second support segment414 in a manner enabling telescopic connection of the first and secondsupport segments 412, 414 together.

In some embodiments, the second support segment 414 can have generallythe same structure as the first support segment 412. In the presentembodiment, the second support segment 414 is exactly the same as thefirst support segment 412. More specifically, the second support segment414 includes a fixture end 416 adapted to have one of the first andsecond mounting fixtures 100, 200 be connected thereto, and aninterlocking portion 418 extending from the fixture end 416 along thelongitudinal axis (A2) of the second support segment 414. It is notedthat the interlocking portions 418 are configured to interlock oneanother in a manner enabling a telescopic connection therebetween. Inthis embodiment, each interlocking portion 418 includes a pair ofinterlocking members 420 shaped and sized to engage the interlockingmembers 420 of the other one of the interlocking portions 418 when thefirst and second support segments 412,414 are aligned and positioned“face-to-face” (e.g., with the fixture ends 416 opposite one another ateither ends of the formed support structure 410).

As seen in FIG. 29 , each interlocking portion 418 includes a pair ofinterlocking members 420 positioned side-by-side, with one of theinterlocking members 420 being vertically higher (or lower) than theother one of the interlocking members 420. In the illustratedembodiment, the interlocking member positioned on a left side of thefirst support segment 412 (i.e., interlocking member 420 a) isvertically lower than the interlocking member positioned on a right sideof the first support segment 412 (i.e., interlocking member 420 b). Itshould thus be understood that the interlocking members 420 of thesecond support segment 414 correspondingly include a vertically lowerinterlocking member 420 a, and a vertically higher interlocking member420 b. As such, when the first and second support segments 412, 414engage each other in a “face-to-face” configuration, the higherinterlocking member 420 b of one interlocking portion 418 extends overthe lower interlocking member 420 a of the other interlocking portion418, and vice versa, and as seen in FIG. 28 . In other words, theinterlocking members 420 of a given interlocking portion 418 are offsetrelative to one another and configured to engage another offset pair ofinterlocking members 420.

It is noted that the interlocking members 420 are shaped and sized toconform to one another to facilitate engagement of the first and secondsupport segments 412, 414 with one another. In this embodiment, and asillustrated in FIGS. 29 and 33 , each interlocking member 420 comprisesa sidewall 422 and a generally flat top surface 424 respectivelyconfigured to engage the corresponding sidewall 422 and top surface 424of the opposing interlocking member 420. The sidewalls 422 can beadapted to prevent, or at least reduce, lateral movement and/orrotational movement of the support segments 412, 414 relative to oneanother, while the top surfaces 424 can be adapted to limit verticalmovement and/or rotational movement of the support segments 412, 414relative to one another. It is noted that the shape and configuration ofthe interlocking members do not hinder axial movement of the supportsegments 412, 414 (e.g., along their longitudinal axes) such that thelength of the support structure 410 can be adjusted. It is also notedthat the offset between the interlocking members 420 (i.e., the distancebetween the lower and higher interlocking members 420 a, 420 b) candefine a slit 421 extending along the interlocking members 420. The slit421 can be adapted to facilitate engagement of the interlocking portions418 to form the support structure 410, although it is appreciated thatother configurations are possible.

Still referring to FIGS. 28, 29 and 33 , in this embodiment, eachinterlocking member 420 is provided with member apertures 426 adapted tobe aligned with the member apertures 426 of the interlocking member 420positioned above (or below), thereby enabling a fastener (e.g., a nutand screw) to extend through the interlocking members and secure thesupport segments 412, 414 together. In the present embodiment, thestacking assembly 400 includes a support segment latch 430 having alatch body 432 shaped and sized to extend perpendicularly relative tothe support segments 412, 414, and engage the higher interlockingmembers 420 b. The latch body 432 can be secured to the higherinterlocking members 420 b to secure the support segments 412, 414together. In some embodiments, the latch body 432 includes a pair oflatch apertures 433 configured to align with a corresponding pair ofmember apertures 426, thereby enabling a fastener (e.g., a nut andscrew) to extend through the latch body 432 and the interlockingportions 418 to secure the support segments 412, 414 together. It isnoted that a plurality of member apertures 426 can be positioned so asto align with one another at any given configuration of the supportstructure 410. Therefore, the stacking assembly 400 can include aplurality of support segment latches 430 connectable to the interlockingportions 418 to further secure the support structure 410 in the desiredconfiguration (e.g., at the desired length).

In some embodiments, the support segment latch 430 includes a keyportion 434 extending from the latch body 432 and configured to engagethe support structure 410 in a predetermined configuration to facilitatepositioning the latch body 432 perpendicularly across the supportsegments 412, 414. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS.29 and 33 , the higher interlocking members 420 b are provided withrespective key slots 435, and the key portion 434 extends downwardlyfrom the latch body 432 and is adapted to engage the key slot 435. Thekey portion 434 and the key slot 435 are complementarily shaped so as toenable the key portion 434 to engage the key slot 435 in a predeterminedconfiguration, which positions the latch body 432 perpendicular acrossthe interlocking portions 418.

In some embodiments, the support segment latch 430 can be furtheradapted to guide the support segments 412, 414 during adjustments of thelength of the support structure 410. More particularly, the supportsegment latch 430 can facilitate axial movement of the support segments412, 414 relative to each other (i.e., facilitate the telescopicmovement). In this embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 29 , the lowerinterlocking members 420 a can be provided with a guiding slot 436extending axially along the length of the corresponding interlockingmember. The guiding slot 436 is adapted to align with the key slot 435of the higher interlocking member 420 b (i.e., when the first and secondsupport segments are interconnected). Furthermore, the key portion 434of the support segment latch 430 can be adapted to extend through thekey slot 435, and into the guiding slot 436 of the lower interlockingmember 420 a. It is thus noted that movement of the key potion 434 isrestricted to the length of the guiding slot 436, and that therefore,movement of the support segments 412, 414 relative to one another isrestricted to the axial direction (i.e., along the longitudinal axis ofthe support segments).

With reference to FIGS. 34 a to 34 c , it is noted that the supportsegment latch 430 remains perpendicular to the support structure 410during movement of the support segments 412, 414. Furthermore,positioning the key portion 434 within the key slot 435 position thelatch body 432 across the interlocking members 420 (e.g., across thehigher interlocking members 420 b) such that the latch apertures 433overlay the interlocking members 420. The support segment latch 430 canthus provide visual indication of the alignment between a given pair ofmember apertures 426, where the member apertures 426 will align with thelatch apertures 433 and enable fasteners to be introduced through thelatch body 432 and interlocking members 420 via the appropriateapertures. As such, the support structure 410 can be operated in variousconfigurations adapted to cooperate with accessories of various sizes.For example, the support structure 410 can be in a central configuration(FIG. 34 a ), a lower midsize configuration (FIG. 34 b ), a shortconfiguration (FIG. 34 c ), and although not illustrated, it is notedthat the support structure 410 can be in an upper midsize configuration,a long configuration, and any other suitable configuration adapted foradjusting the length of the support structure.

Now referring to FIGS. 35 to 39 , the support structure 410 is adaptedto be connected to at least one of the first accessory 70 (i.e., theaccessory positioned below the support structure 410), the vehiclesurface and a separate component connected to the vehicle surface (e.g.,another mounting fixture and/or a rail assembly). In some embodiments,the accessories 70 can be provided with the first and second protrudingportions 77, 78, or can be adapted to be mounted on an accessory base 80comprising the first and second protruding portions 77, 78. As seen inFIGS. 35 to 39 , the accessory base 80 is illustratively provided belowthe accessory 70 to facilitate connection of the first and secondprotruding portions 77, 78 with the first and second mounting fixtures.In some embodiments, the support structure 410 is adapted to beconnected to the accessory base 80. For example, and with reference toFIG. 36 , the stacking assembly 400 can include a support connector 450coupled between the support structure 410 and the accessory base 80 andconfigured to maintain the support structure 410 elevated above theaccessory base 80. It is appreciated that maintaining the supportstructure 410 elevated creates the required space for an accessory 70 tobe installed, as seen in FIGS. 35 and 37 .

In this embodiment, the support connector 450 includes a connector plate452 and one or more connector struts 454 extending downwardly from theconnector plate 452 for engaging the accessory base 80. The connectorplate 452 can be connected to the support structure 410 via any suitablemeans, such as via the fasteners extending through the support segments412, 414 forming the support structure 410. The one or more connectorstruts 454 can be connected to the connector plate 452 via similarmeans, e.g., via fasteners, or can be integrally formed with theconnector plate 452, for example. Furthermore, the connector struts 454can be secured to the accessory base 80 (or to the vehicle surface) tosecure the support structure on the vehicle. It is thus noted that asecond accessory 70 can be mounted to the vehicle via the first andsecond mounting fixtures provided on the support structure 410.

In the illustrated embodiments, the support connector 450 is positionedin the center of the accessory base 80, and thereby generally in thecenter of the accessory 70 connected to the accessory base 80. As such,in some embodiments, the accessories mounted to the vehicle using themounting system 10 can be provided with a central opening (not shown) toenable the connector struts 454 to extend through the accessory andengage the accessory base 80. However, in other embodiments, theconnector struts 454 can be positioned proximate the ends of the supportstructure (e.g., proximate the mounting fixtures connected thereto) suchthat the connector struts 454 can be adapted to extend between theconnector plate 452 and accessory base 80 on either side of theaccessory (i.e., without going through the accessory). In suchembodiments, it is appreciated that the support connector 450 caninclude a pair of support plates 452 mounted to either ends of thesupport structure 410, each provided with one or more connector struts454, although other configurations are possible.

It is noted that various accessories can be stacked using the mountingsystem 10 provided with the stacking assembly 400 described herein. Forexample, gas canisters, storage bins, toolboxes, bags, sportingequipment and any other suitable item can be mounted to the vehicle in astacked configuration. It is appreciated that the stacking assembly 400can include a plurality of support structures 410 and support connectors450 such that two, three, four, or any suitable number of accessoriescan be stacked on the vehicle.

Referring broadly to FIGS. 28 to 39 , once a first accessory is mountedto the vehicle (e.g., via the mounting fixtures, via the rails or via acombination thereof), a second accessory can be stacked thereon usingthe stacking assembly 400. The support structure 410 can first beadjusted based on the size of the second accessory. For example, forlarge accessories, the support structure 410 can be operated to maximizethe distance between the mounting fixtures connected to the supportstructure. In other words, the length of the support structure 410 isadjusted to the size of the second accessory (or accessory base 80provided therewith).

Once the length of the support structure 410 is determined, the supportsegments 412, 414 can be fastened to one another using the supportsegment latch 430, thereby locking the support structure 410 at thedesired length. The support structure can then be placed on top of thefirst accessory, for example, by placing the connector plate 452 on thefirst accessory 70 and engaging the connector struts 454 with at leastone of the accessory base of the first accessory and the vehiclesurface. A second accessory, preferably provided with first and secondprotruding portions, can then be mounted to the vehicle via the mountingfixtures provided on the support structure. It is appreciated thatadditional accessories can be stacked on the second accessory usinganother stacking assembly 400 (e.g., another support structure andsupport connector 450). It should also be appreciated that two or morestacks of accessories can be created on the vehicle, either via mountingfixtures connected to different locations on the vehicle surface, or viamounting fixtures connected to different locations along a rail assemblymounted on the vehicle.

The present disclosure intends to cover and embrace all suitable changesin technology. The scope of the claims should not be limited by theimplementations set forth in the examples but should be given thebroadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupling”, “attached”, “connected”or variants thereof as used herein can have several different meaningsdepending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, theterms coupled, coupling, connected or attached can have a mechanicalconnotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling orattached can indicate that two elements or devices are directlyconnected to one another or connected to one another through one or moreintermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending onthe particular context.

In the above description, the same numerical references refer to similarelements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely,so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references' numbers,not all figures contain references to all the components and features,and references to some components and features may be found in only onefigure, and components and features of the present disclosure which areillustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. Theimplementations, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/ordimensions shown in the figures are optional and are given forexemplification purposes only.

In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings comprises various components and although theoptional configurations of the mounting system as shown may consist ofcertain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein,not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus shouldnot be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as tolimit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood thatother suitable components and cooperation's therein between, as well asother suitable geometrical configurations may be used for theimplementation and use of the mounting system, and corresponding parts,as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred here from, withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure.

1. An accessory mounting fixture for a vehicle, the accessory mountingfixture comprising: a fixture body connectable to a vehicle surface andhaving a substantially U-shape defining a frontal opening shaped andadapted to receive an accessory portion; and a locking assemblyoperatively connected to the fixture body and adapted to selectivelysecure the accessory portion within the frontal opening, the lockingassembly comprising: a first lock member having a proximal end pivotallyconnected to the fixture body on a first side of the frontal opening anda distal end, the first closure member being operable between a closedposition where the first lock member extends across the frontal openingand the distal end engages the fixture body on a second side of thefrontal opening for confining the accessory portion within the frontalopening, and an open position; and a second lock member having aproximal end pivotally connected to the fixture body on the second sideof the frontal opening and a distal end, the second closure member beingoperable between a closed position where the second lock member at leastpartially covers the first lock member, and an open position, whereinthe second lock member is adapted to block rotational movement of thefirst lock member upon positioning the second lock member in the closedposition to at least partially secure the accessory portion within thefrontal opening.
 2. The accessory mounting fixture of claim 1, whereinthe locking assembly further comprises a resilient member coupled to thesecond lock member and adapted to engage the first lock member whenpositioning the second lock member in the closed position, whereinengagement of the first lock member by the resilient member biases atleast one of the first and second lock members in their respectiveclosed positions.
 3. The accessory mounting fixture of claim 2, whereinthe first lock member comprises a tab protruding outwardly therefrom,and the resilient member comprises a tab-receiving opening definedthrough a thickness thereof, the tab-receiving opening being shaped andsized to receive the tab therein, and wherein positioning the tabthrough the tab-receiving opening biases the second lock member in theclosed position.
 4. The accessory mounting fixture of claim 1, whereinpositioning the second lock member in the closed position preventsmoving the first lock member in the open position.
 5. The accessorymounting fixture of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second lockmembers comprises a locking recess, and wherein the other one of thefirst and second lock members comprises a locking protrusion, thelocking protrusion being complementarily-shaped relative to the lockingrecess and configured to engage the locking recess when positioning thefirst and second lock members in the closed position.
 6. The accessorymounting fixture of claim 5, wherein the locking protrusion comprises aprotrusion surface, and the recess comprises a recess surface, andwherein when the first and second lock members are in the closedposition, the recess surface is adapted to abut against the protrusionsurface when opening the first lock member, thereby blocking movement ofthe first lock member.
 7. The accessory mounting fixture of claim 1,wherein positioning the first lock member in the closed position definesa generally D-shaped loop confining the accessory portion.
 8. Theaccessory mounting fixture of claim 1, wherein the fixture body furthercomprises a slot defined in a bottom surface thereof and communicatingwith the frontal opening, the slot being adapted to receive a first endof the accessory portion therein for positioning the first end betweenthe fixture body and the vehicle surface.
 9. The accessory mountingfixture of claim 1, wherein the first lock member comprises a secondaryslot defined in a bottom portion thereof and adapted to receive a secondend of the accessory portion therein for positioning the second endbetween the first lock member and the vehicle surface.
 10. The accessorymounting fixture of claim 1, wherein the first lock member comprises afirst locking aperture, and the second lock member comprises a secondlocking aperture, and wherein positioning the first and second lockmembers in the closed position aligns the first and second lockingapertures to enable a locking device to extend through the apertures andselectively secure the first and second lock to one another.
 11. Theaccessory mounting fixture of claim 10, wherein the locking device is apadlock.
 12. The accessory mounting fixture of claim 1, wherein thevehicle is a snowmobile, and the vehicle surface is a snowmobile tunnel.